Environment

We are still in Level 1 low water conditions, according to SNC

By Louise Sproule

August 17, 2018

Despite significant isolated storms in recent weeks, South Nation Conservation (SNC) is advising residents that the watershed will continue to remain in Level 1 Low Water Conditions under the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

The localized storm events that occurred have helped conditions temporarily, however stream gauges within SNC’s jurisdiction showed minor increases in flows before going back down again, below normal. The long forecast indicates that the remainder of August and September will be warmer and drier than normal. Alleviating the low water conditions would require regular rainfall over the next weeks and months.

While in level I status, SNC asks residents, businesses and other industries throughout the watershed to reduce their water consumption by 10% in order to help mitigate the impacts of low water conditions. Water consumption can be reduced by limiting non-essential uses (e.g. lawn watering, car washing, etc.).

Of the three levels of low water conditions, a level I indicates that there is the potential of a water supply problem should current precipitation and stream flow trends persist. A level II condition indicates minor supply issues may be apparent and conservation and non-essential restriction is adopted, and a level III condition indicates the failure of the water supply to meet demand.

SNC will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide updates as required.

To better understand local conditions; landowners, businesses, and industries are encouraged to contact SNC if they are experiencing any unusual water-related problems.